The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially decided not to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India. This significant revelation was made by Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI. “They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” stated Shah during an interaction with the Times Group journalists at the Times of India’s Mumbai office on Wednesday.
The question arose due to ongoing political disturbances in Bangladesh, with India being considered as an alternative venue for the World Cup. Shah clarified the position of the BCCI, “We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
Shah underscored the importance of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, explaining it as a priority for the BCCI. “We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities). A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us, or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us.” This series, featuring two Tests and three T20Is, is slated to commence on September 19.
**New Facilities and Academies on the Horizon**
One of the BCCI’s major projects, the High Performance Centre in Bengaluru, is nearing its completion and is set for inauguration next month. “After I took over as the secretary in October of 2019, a lot of time went towards holding the IPL due to the pandemic. The office was shut for two years,” said Shah. “When we got the second term in 2022, we decided that we have to take this project forward. The foundation was laid in my first term.”
The state-of-the-art facility will also cater to non-cricketers, a point Shah emphasized in a recent meeting with Olympian Neeraj Chopra. Featuring three grounds and 100 pitches, including 45 indoor turfs, the centre is designed to replicate pitches from around the world, enabling Indian teams to practice on diverse surfaces before international series.
“We wanted to make the best use of what we got on a platter. In 2008, we got that land and I don’t know why my predecessors didn’t use that. I am lucky that it was in my destiny to raise the academy,” Shah added. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has been operating from the Chinnaswamy Stadium, but this new centre represents a significant upgrade.
BCCI’s development initiatives are also extending to the North-East region and Jammu. Shah stated, “They have got full membership and they are part of the country. Opportunity is their right and it is our responsibility too.
. Earlier they used to get Rs 5 crore and now they are getting Rs 20 crore to run the game.”
**Impact Player Rule and Future of IPL Auctions**
Addressing the much-debated Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shah conveyed the BCCI’s contemplation on its pros and cons. “We had a long chat about this in the recent meeting with the franchise owners and among our domestic teams. There are positives and negatives to it. We should think about the broadcasters also. For me as an administrator, the game is important. Let’s see what feedback we’re getting,” he noted.
The rule’s inclusion in domestic competitions like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) will be decided soon. The BCCI is also considering the timing of morning and night matches to ensure a fair experience for all teams.
Regarding the contentious issue of the Big Auction in the IPL, Shah acknowledged the differing opinions among franchise owners, emphasizing that both minority and majority views would be considered. The IPL is anticipated to expand to 84 games in the upcoming season, but Shah stressed that the final decision would take into account the players’ workload and available windows.
A decision on introducing a sixth Women’s Premier League (WPL) team is still pending. “Once I’m confident that we can add more women players into the mix, we will add an extra side,” stated Shah.
**Support for Test Cricket**
Shah also discussed the future of Test cricket, advocating for a special fund dedicated to the format’s survival. “I am a member of F&CA (Finance and Commercial Affairs) of the ICC. I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches,” he explained. Discussions are in progress at the ICC to possibly create such a fund.
India has ceased hosting Pink Ball Tests due to the tendency of these matches to end prematurely, often within two days. “Spectators and broadcasters are losing out,” noted Shah. The financial and emotional investment of fans who buy five-day tickets is a concern.
When questioned about women’s Test matches and a potential World Test Championship for them, Shah stated that it would only be feasible if more nations started playing Test cricket. He also addressed the debate on whether top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should participate in domestic competitions like the Duleep Trophy, explaining the need to prevent injuries.
**Conclusion**
Jay Shah outlined ambitious plans and significant decisions for the future of Indian cricket. From infrastructural expansions to strategic decisions concerning various formats, the BCCI under Shah seems committed to maintaining India’s prominence in the global cricket arena. With a blend of cautious planning and progressive initiatives, the future looks promising for Indian cricket.